Russian Tortoise HOW MUCH SHOULD I FEED

Gymtimpro

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I have a Russian tortoise he is almost full grown male who loves his spring mix and picks out what he dosent love about it but he is always hungry i give him a handful or more a day and he is still hungry? how much should he get?
 

Yvonne G

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Russian tortoises come from a land where food is very scarce. They have to wander far and wide on a daily basis (this is why they need a very large habitat) just to find enough food for that day. They are hard-wired to wander and to eat. So he really doesn't know when to stop.

Tidgy's Dad has given you good advice, but the important part of it, "As long as he has room to exercise..."
 

GingerLove

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My tortoise doesn't have enough room as she would in the wild, and therefore i limit her food to once per day and maybe a snack. She will literally eat forever if I keep giving her food I think!!
 

TammyJ

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What is in the "Spring Mix" that he gets every day?
 

Maro2Bear

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If you think you're not feeding enough, feed more. Your tort is depending on you for food, water, warmth, housing. Id suggest additionsl food.
 
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Wait... tortoises like kale. I thought it was good for them? Spinach is for sure a no-no though.
Yeah they like kale but some sources say that kale contains a substance called "goitrogens" which can affect thyroid function, but will only effect ur tort if you feed them too much. Some sources say that kale is ok but better safe than sorry. You can probably feed them kale like once or twice a week but not often.
 

JoesMum

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Wait... tortoises like kale. I thought it was good for them? Spinach is for sure a no-no though.

Kale may be fed in moderation
See: http://www.thetortoisetable.org.uk/plant-database/viewplants/?plant=529&c=8#.WeWl1djTWEc

Spinach is a TTT Do Not Feed
http://www.thetortoisetable.org.uk/plant-database/viewplants/?plant=608&c=8#.WeWl_tjTWEc

As ever, search on The Tortoise Table Plant Database for suitability to feed. They err on the side of caution, but that isn't a problem in my mind... and they also are saying for Testudo/Sulcata/Leopard which have low sugar and low protein diets, so Red Foot owners need to read why they recommend not feeding something as it may not apply to them.
http://www.thetortoisetable.org.uk/
 

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